Les Leverett, Photographer

The Grand Ole Opry is now the caretaker of Les Leverett's life collection. Please contact Jen Larson at JLarson@opry.com with your queries.And, don't even think of using any image that Michael Ochs stole and sold to Getty along with hundreds of other photographers and their copyrights.

From 1952 to 1956, Les Leverett worked for Associated Photographers in Nashville, before joining the National Life and Accident Insurance Company in 1960 to establish the company’s photography department.

Mr. Leverett served as a photographer for WSM television and radio, the Grand Ole Opry and the Johnny Cash TV show during what many consider the “golden age of country.”

Mr. Leverett dedicated thirty-two years of his career as staff photographer for the Grand Ole Opry and WSM radio before retiring in 1992.

The long list of renowned musicians who trusted him to capture their moments onstage, backstage and in their homes include Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, George Jones, Eddy Arnold and Chet Atkins along with performers, Presidents and special guests such as Louis Armstrong, James Brown, Count Basie, Tony Bennett, President Jimmy Carter, President Richard Nixon, Ray Charles and hundreds more.

Unauthorized use or reproduction of any of Mr. Leverett's images in any format not licensed or purchased through our office constitutes for-profit theft, copyright infringement and is a violation of Federal Copyright Law. Violators will be subject to criminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

Senate of the 109th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, the House of Representatives concurring, Joint Resolution 3 to honor and recognize Les Leverett for his illustrious career in the field of photography.